KPD honors lives of Hawai‘i’s fallen law enforcement officers

Photo courtesy of KPD

Kaua‘i police took time this week to pay tribute to the 59 lost lives of Hawai‘i law enforcement officers in recognition of Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week, according to a news release by the County of Kaua‘i.

Every year, one week in May is dedicated toward honoring the men and women in blue whose lives were lost while serving their communities. Kaua‘i police typically hold a ceremony where the names of every fallen Hawai‘i officer is recited in memory of their lives and legacies.

This year, due to the ongoing pandemic, Kaua‘i police are not able to hold a ceremony on Friday for Peace Officers Memorial Day, but officers have been wearing black “mourning bands” over their badges in honor of those who have died in the line of duty. KPD headquarters in Līhu‘e has also been partially illuminated in blue lights at night in memory of the state and nation’s fallen heroes.

“Each day our officers leave their homes and families knowing the risks they face and that each tour of duty may be their last,” KPD Chief Todd Raybuck said. “All of us who wear the badge remember our fallen brothers and sisters every day of the year. We are grateful that National Police Week is a time set aside for our entire nation to remember and honor the officers who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the community they served. As it is written on the stone wall at the National Police Memorial in Washington, D.C., ‘It is not how these officers died that makes them heroes. It is how they lived.’”